Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

This Gluten-Free Irish Lamb Stew features tender chunks of lamb, bacon, and fresh veggies in a savory broth. Inspired by traditional recipes, it’s hearty, savory, and oh-so comforting!

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (1)

Table Of Contents

show

  • What is Irish Lamb Stew?
  • Why is Irish Stew Different?
  • What is the Best Cut of Lamb for Stew?
  • Ingredients You Need
  • How to Make One-Pot Irish Lamb Stew
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Common Questions About This Irish Lamb Stew Recipe
  • More Gluten-Free Soups and Stews

What is Irish Lamb Stew?

Irish lamb stew is a hearty stew recipe featuring chunks of lamb, vegetables, and broth. Many traditional recipes feature Guinness beer to add a rich flavor.

However, to keep this Irish stew recipe gluten-free, we swapped the Guinness with white wine and bacon. You still get the rich, slightly smokey flavor with none of the gluten!

Personal Note – Born and raised in New Zealand (with a father who is also part Irish), my husband grew up enjoying lamb chops and lamb stew. This particular Lamb stew recipe is one of his favorite dishes! Whenever I make this dish, it reminds him of home. Which makes me happy because he’s happy!

Why is Irish Stew Different?

The primary difference between Irish stew and traditional stew is the type of meat used. Unlike classic beef stew recipes, Irish stew is made with lamb.

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (2)

Traditionally, it was made with mutton, a cheap cut of meat. Combined with fresh, budget-friendly vegetables it was meant to be a filling, affordable dish.

What is the Best Cut of Lamb for Stew?

We prefer to use lamb loin or boneless lamb shoulder, which tend to be the most tender portions of lamb. However, you can also use boneless leg of lamb or any other well-marbled lamb pieces.

Is Lamb Good For You?

If you’ve never had lamb, you’ve been missing out! Not only does it have a unique savory, slightly sweet flavor, but lamb isalso highly nutrient dense making it a nutritious choice of protein. For instance, it:

  • Contains all nine essential amino acids.
  • Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that can help reduce body fat mass.
  • Is rich in vitamin B12.
  • Is a good source of selenium, zinc, niacin, phosphorus, and iron.

Pro Tip Did you know lamb is lower in fat than beef and easier to digest?

Ingredients You Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (3)
  • Uncured Bacon – Feel free to use turkey bacon if preferred. The stew just won’t be quite as rich and flavorful. .
  • Lamb – You’ll need 1 ¼ to 2 pounds of lamb for this recipe.
  • Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – This helps sear the lamb, locking in moisture and creating a flavorful crust.
  • Aromatics – White or yellow onions and fresh garlic add a pungent sweet and tangy taste.
  • Stock – Feel free to use either chicken stock, beef stock, or vegetable stock as the base of the broth.
  • Sugar – Although optional, just a pinch helps balance out the savoriness of the dish.
  • Veggies – Carrots, celery, and Yukon gold potatoes add volume, texture, and nutrients.

Note: Yukon golden potatoes are different from other potatoes such as Russet potatoes as they have a slightly lower starch content, a tender texture, and a buttery flavor.

  • White Wine – Used to enhance the flavor.
  • Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves enhance the savoriness of the dish.

How to Make One-Pot Irish Lamb Stew

  • Sauté the bacon. Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat on the stove. Add the bacon, and sauté until it is browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a bowl or plate, and leave the leftover fat in the pot.
  • Season the lamb. Sprinkle both sides of the lamb with salt and pepper. Then, toss it in flour, coating it evenly.
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (4)
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (5)
  • Brown the lamb. Add the lamb pieces to the pot with the bacon grease, and sear it on all sides. Remove it from the pot, and set it aside.
  • Sauté. Add the onion to the pot, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic, and cook over medium heat. Next, add part of the broth, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Simmer. Add the bacon, lamb, broth, and sugar, if using, to the pot, and stir to combine. Cover, and simmer.
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (6)
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (7)

Pro-Tip: Feel free to add more broth or water to adjust the thickness of the soup to your liking.

  • Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, white wine, thyme, and bay leaf.

Pro-Tip: Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth to ensure they become tender!

  • Boil. Bring the ingredients to a light boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, and allow the pot to simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender and the lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (8)
Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (9)
  • Serve. Remove the bay leaf, season to taste, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Irish lamb stew recipe can easily be served on its own. However, it’s often enjoyed over mashed potatoes. You can never go wrong with a loaf of gluten-free Irish soda bread or gluten-free dinner rolls, either!

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (10)

Common Questions About This Irish Lamb Stew Recipe

What is a traditional Irish stew called?

Traditional Irish stew recipes are referred to as Stobhach or Stobhach Gaelach.

How long does this recipe last?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! Once cooled, you can transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. We like to make large batches to keep on hand!

What else can I add to this recipe?

Some people like to include additional root vegetables such as turnips or parsnips. You can also garnish your stew with fresh thyme or fresh parsley to add bright, refreshing notes.

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (11)

More of Our Favorite

More Gluten-Free Soups and Stews

  • Mexican Sweet Potato Beef Stew
  • African Peanut Stew
  • Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Bacon
  • Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

Print

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (12)

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Prepare this gluten-free Irish lamb stew recipe in a single pot with simple ingredients and for a hearty comfort food full of flavor and nutrients!

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 6 ounces uncured bacon, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ to 2 pounds lamb loin or boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 ½ to 2 inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons gluten free all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (~1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 pound golden Yukon potatoes, quartered or chopped
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Place the diced bacon in a large stock pot or dutch oven. Sauté the bacon over medium to medium-high heat until it has browned and the fat is released. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl or plate. Leave the remaining bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper. Toss the lamb in a bowl with the flour and gently stir to coat the lamb.
  3. Brown the lamb in the bacon fat over medium heat about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Then, transfer the lamb to the plate of bacon.
  4. Sauté the onion until it is fragrant or about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add ¼ cup broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
  5. Place the bacon, lamb, remaining broth, and optional sugar in the pot, and stir to combine. Cover the pot, and simmer the ingredients for 30 to 35 minutes.
  6. After 30 minutes, stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, white wine, thyme and bay leaf, making sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth.
  7. Bring the ingredients to a light boil then reduce the heat to low and let the pot simmer, covered, for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. When done, the potatoes and lamb will be very tender, and the internal temperature of the lamb should reach a minimum of 145 F degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the bay leaf, and season the stew with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  9. Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Cooking Tips Add more broth or water to adjust the thickness of the stew. Add more or less salt and seasonings to suit your palate as well.

Storage Tips – Freeze stew in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags for up to 6 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 323
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 598.9 mg
  • Fat: 12.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.7 g
  • Fiber: 3.1 g
  • Protein: 33.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 97.4 mg

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (13)

Jump To Comments

Irish Lamb Stew (One-Pot Recipe) - Cotter Crunch (2024)

FAQs

Why is Irish stew different? ›

According to the New York Times, truly traditional Irish stew contains only a few ingredients: mutton, onions, potatoes, and sometimes carrots, instantly distinguishing it from a stew made from beef.

How to jazz up beef stew? ›

Add the wine and tomato paste to the onions and other aromatics in a pan before slow cooking. Plus, this helps to really deglaze any fond that's left. This ingredient is one that your mum and nan would probably use in their stews. It adds a bit of tang, sweetness and savoury spices that give an extra punch of flavour.

Why is Irish stew the national dish? ›

Irish stew may have been a way for the Irish to put their own spin on these dishes, using local ingredients and cooking techniques. Whatever its origins, Irish stew has become an iconic dish in Irish cuisine, beloved for its simplicity and heartiness.

What is the history of Irish lamb stew? ›

Tracking down old Irish recipes remains an illusive task, due to poor documentation, but the first of such recipe for Irish stew dates to the 1600s from southern Ireland the O'Brien family. First Complied by the Countess of Thom*ond 1684–1734.

What is Irish lamb stew Wikipedia? ›

Irish stew is an Irish dish of lamb or mutton, and vegetables. Irish Stew may also refer to: Irish Stew!, a novel by Andrew M. Greeley.

What is Derry stew? ›

Irish Stew is traditionally made from the tougher cuts of lamb that require lengthy cooking but alternative recipes exist all over the country and no two recipes will be the same! Unique to the north of Ireland though, and particularly to the border areas of Donegal/Derry, stew is made with minced meat, usually beef.

What is the best way to thicken Irish stew? ›

If you want to thicken your Irish Stew there are several methods. You can make a mixture of flour and water and add it to the simmering liquid or you can do the same with a mix of water and cornstarch. Add either…. around a tablespoon at a time and stir till thickened.

What are two names for Irish stew? ›

Irish dishes
English nameIrish name
Gur cakeCáca gur
Irish stewStobhach/ Stobhach Gaelach
JambonSiamban
Limerick HamLiamhás Luimnigh
32 more rows

Why add tomato paste to beef stew? ›

I contacted Laurence to get the lowdown on why she adds tomato paste to her beef stew. "I include tomato paste in many braised recipes because it adds a depth of flavor without increasing the liquid quantity in the dish," Laurence explains.

What adds richness to a stew? ›

If were talking while it's being made; garlic, onion, various herbs, “horse chester sauce” tomato paste, stone ground mustard, or even a small splash of A1 sauce will all “rich up” the broth. So will sauteing the veggies in butter before adding to the stew.

What is the secret to good stew? ›

"Soups and stews really need to simmer for long periods to allow the ingredients to meld together. Taking that a step further, most soups and stews are better if you prepare them the day before serving. Allowing them to cool and then reheating them really helps bring out the flavors and textures."

What did the Irish eat instead of potatoes? ›

Until the arrival of the potato in the 16th century, grains such as oats, wheat and barley, cooked either as porridge or bread, formed the staple of the Irish diet. The most common form of bread consisted of flatbread made from ground oats.

Why did the Irish only eat potatoes? ›

Why were potatoes so important to Ireland? The potato plant was hardy, nutritious, calorie-dense, and easy to grow in Irish soil. By the time of the famine, nearly half of Ireland's population relied almost exclusively on potatoes for their diet, and the other half ate potatoes frequently.

What is a fun fact about Irish stew? ›

The famous Irish stew made with lamb, carrots, potatoes and onion was frequently featured on menus for third-class passengers on the Titanic. The stew would be consumed as part of the passengers' high tea, which was their second and final meal of the day. Their main meal of the day was lunch.

Why is my lamb stew tough? ›

If you cook it for too long, the meat will start to fall apart, and it will actually lose moisture and begin to toughen.

What is the Irish name for lamb? ›

Irish: shortened Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Luain 'descendant of the warrior' formerly Anglicized as O'Loan (see Lane ). MacLysaght comments: “The form Lamb(e) which results from a more than usually absurd pseudo-translation (uan 'lamb') is now much more numerous than O'Loan itself.” German: variant of Lamm .

What gave the Irish stew its fresh flavor? ›

This is why traditional Irish stew is made with either lamb or mutton. Lamb or mutton neckbones and shanks are the best for adding flavor to your recipe, along with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips.

Why do Irish people eat Irish stew? ›

Though the Romans had long outgrown it by then, stewing came to prominence in Ireland during the early 19th century, during a period of economic turmoil that led to mass poverty. With only a hanging pot, an open fire and a few fairly easily attainable ingredients, even poor families were able to survive on Irish stew.

What is the difference between English stew and Irish stew? ›

The main difference between an Irish stew and classic beef stew comes down to the protein. Traditional Irish stew is usually made with lamb, while beef stew is always made with beef. Our version includes beef chuck, which is less traditional, but easy to make and equally delicious.

What is the difference between goulash and Irish stew? ›

Irish stew is made of lamb, potatoes and carrots and is very simply flavored with perhaps parsley or thyme and salt and pepper. In contrast, Hungarian goulash is made of beef and flavored very strongly with paprika.

What are 2 names for Irish stew? ›

Irish stew, "ballymaloe" or "stobhach gaelach" as it is called in Gaelic, traditionally contains chunks of lamb or mutton (less tender meat from sheep more than two years of age), potatoes, onions and parsley.

Is Mulligan stew the same as Irish stew? ›

"Mulligan" is a stand-in term for any Irishman, and Mulligan stew is simply an Irish stew that includes meat, potatoes, vegetables, and whatever else can be begged, scavenged, found or stolen. A local Appalachian variant is a burgoo, which may comprise such available ingredients as possum or squirrel.

What was Brunswick stew originally made with? ›

According to the anthropologist Charles Hudson, Southeastern Indians made a stew from hominy and groundhog or squirrel, and also boiled bear and deer meat with fresh corn kernels and squash.

Why does Irish beef taste different? ›

The sirloins, fillets, and other prime cuts come from grass-fed cows that live outdoors. They get plenty of exercise, which makes the meat leaner. It has a stronger, almost gamey flavor. Sometimes it tastes as if it's been grilled over charcoal, even when cooked in a regular oven.

What is traditional Irish stew made of? ›

While Irish stew (in the modern sense) can be made with mutton, lamb, or beef, beef stew is always made with beef. Both stews can contain potatoes, root vegetables, flavorings like beer or wine and herbs, and thickened with potato, flour, cornstarch, or nothing at all.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5836

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.